Interview with Uzuri Amini
Uzuri Amini is a 23-year old of mixed Ghana and Native American descent. She works as a model focusing on high fashion, glamour, commercial, runway and print work.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello my name is Uzuri but you can call me Uzi for short. I was born in Philadelphia but raised all over. I’m an accomplished model and I also have a BA in neuroscience and psychology. I love running, singing, dancing, acting, and going to the beach. I would consider myself a professional model, SAG actress, and a dancer.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
My start in modeling began at seven years old. I did my first photo shoot. I loved the pictures and being in front of the camera so much I knew it was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My personal and professional goals are to become an internationally known model. I would like to be a lead in several movies. I also would like to win the Miss Universe Pageant. I also would like to be a child psychologist with a PhD in cognitive or behavioral neuroscience. In five to ten years I see a very successful, happy, and amazing me. I know that I’ll accomplish all of my goals and more.
How often do you model in an average month and what does it usually consist of?
I mainly do high fashion, swimwear, catalog, catwalks, and featured extra work. I also do promotion work and I have worked for brands like Samsung, Pac Sun, Starbucks, Nintendo, Marlboro, Captain Morgan, Ciroc, and many more.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
The best experience I ever had in modeling is when I had gotten cut from a bridal show. I know that seems strange. But due to being cut from that show a casting director who was apart of that show booked me for the Give me everything music video with Ne-yo and Pitbull. It was the best day of my life. I was able to meet and speak with both Ne-yo and Pitbull. I had told Pitbull that I secretly call him my husband and he said, ” Que linda, we would have beautiful babies together. We could call them cafe y leche.” That was the happiest moment of my life. I also took pictures with them as well. It was something that I never fathomed occurring. It showed me that even when you miss out on great opportunities, that even better ones are waiting for you.
Have you had anything funny, embarrassing or completely out of the ordinary happen during your modeling career?
The craziest thing that has ever happened in my career is when I was scammed by Andre Vann. I thought I had been booked for a clothing campaign. So I flew out to Boston right away. There were so many red flags but I’m a very trusting individual and I also know how the industry works. There are girls who flake all the time, so I had no problem paying for my way out there. He said I would be reimbursed. I’ve dealt with sketchier people who kept their word. But ling story short I was scammed out of 500 dollars. Luckily it wasn’t a dramatic amount compared to what he usually took from so many others. The great part of this story is that not only was I able to help make people more aware of him. I was able to assist in his capture and now he is in jail. I think when I realized that I wasn’t his only victim that I had to stop him and that’s exactly what I did. What this taught me is that I can’t trust everyone and no matter how much experience you have in the industry you can still be fooled.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
I would change people being taken advantage of and manipulated. I would also make it so that there’s a wider representation out there. I want to see an even representation of every race in the media. I just believe that it’s a better representation of our society.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I work out on the regular with my boyfriend. I always do at least 30 minutes of cardio and then 30 minutes of lifting everyday. As an ex Varsity track and field, volleyball, and soccer athlete I love exercise. I also was a collegiate track and field athlete as well. So I work out because I’m just so used to it being a big part of my life for years. I really don’t have dietary restrictions but I don’t: drink alcohol, do drugs, smoke anything, drink soda, drink coffee, and eat pork. Otherwise then that my diet is very balanced and I feel that as long as everything is in moderation you’re good.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am the 6th out of seven children. My father was a hopeless romantic so that led to me having a ton of awesome siblings.
Would you change anything about yourself (physical or otherwise) if you could?
I truly love myself inside and out. I believe the only thing I would change is believing in people who don’t deserve it. I’m always so willing to help everyone but if they won’t help themselves then they’re someone I shouldn’t waste effort on. There are some people that are just set in their ways. But if they ever contact me and express that they are ready to improve their lives then I’ll definitely help them.